Safe backcountry travel requires training and experience. You control your own risk by choosing where, when and how you travel.

Special Announcement

CNFAIC is hosting a Free Avalanche Rescue Workshop on Sunday, December 20th at Turnagain Pass. This is a great opportunity to practice beacon searches, learn strategic shoveling techniques and meet local forecasters! This workshop is open to everyone and anyone, novices and experts.

The Bottom Line

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 2000’ where triggering a slab 2-3’ is likely in steep terrain. Cautious route-finding should be used to avoid high consequence terrain features like large open slopes and terrain traps. Remember red flag warnings (recent precipitation, wind loading, warming temperatures, and shooting cracks) were present yesterday and an incoming storm will be adding additional stress to the snowpack today.

A MODERATE danger rating exists below treeline where an avalanche from above could run into this elevation band in channeled terrain.

Primary Concern

Dec.17 Storm Totals:

Turnagain Pass Center Ridge: 13”

Girdwood Midway: 5”

Summit Lake: 3”

Yesterday warming temperatures and sustained Northeast winds have left 1-2’ of upside down storm snow in Turnagain Pass. This snow proved tender yesterday and shooting cracks were observed above 2000’ in places where the snow felt stiffened by the wind. No avalanche activity was reported, but visibility was poor making it difficult to see if any natural avalanche activity occurred.

Today weather conditions will deteriorate again with the arrival of yet another storm that is expected to intensify this evening. Easterly winds will start building this morning along with snow showers by early afternoon. This weather will be adding stress to an already stressed out snowpack. Triggering a slab 2+’ deep will be more likely on unsupported terrain features like steep convex rolls, gullies, and above cliffs. Poor visibility is expected today, but should you choose to travel into the upper elevations, maintain a conservative Jedi mindset. Use stability tests like hand pits or ski pole tests to feel for upside down snow; denser snow sitting on weaker snow. Most of all don’t be tempted by the Dark Side (large open slopes.) Patience you must have!

Shooting cracks observed yesterday on Tincan and a 15" slab failed easily above the skin track where snow was unsupported.

Secondary Concern

We have been tracking several layers of weak snow formed in early December that are now buried under 3-4’ of snow. Poor visibility and dangerous avalanche conditions have made it difficult to evaluate this problem in the upper elevations where a large trigger, like a snowmachine, could find a sweet spot. This is one of the those low likelihood/high consequence problems that is unlikely to occur naturally and is not manageable. This is one more reason to avoid large steep slopes until the snowpack can adjust to its new load.

Mountain Weather

Yesterday a total of 13” of new snow was recorded at the Turnagain Pass Center Ridge weather station. Sustained moderate winds from the Northeast became light yesterday, but not until most of the snow had already fallen. Temperatures warmed to above freezing, and rain/snow line reached 1200’ by mid afternoon.

Overnight no new precipitation was recorded, winds remained light, and temperatures cooled just below freezing (32F) at sea level.

Today Easterly winds are expected to start building this morning with the arrival of more snow. Snow showers will intensify by this evening and could bring another 1’ of new snow by tomorrow. Temperatures will be hovering around 32F making it possible for rain at sea level.

Riding status is not associated with avalanche danger. An area will be open to motorized use in accordance to the Forest Management Plan when snow coverage is adequate to protect underlying vegetation. Backcountry hazards including avalanche hazard are always present regardless of the open status of motorized use areas.

(Updated: May 16, 2017 )

AREA

STATUS

WEATHER AND RIDING CONDITIONS

Glacier District

Johnson Pass:

Closed

Placer River:

Closed

Skookum Drainage:

Closed

Turnagain Pass:

Closed

Thanks all for a safe and fun season on the Chugach NF! Stay tuned for the 2017/18 season. #playsafe #snowtosealevel

Twentymile:

Closed

Seward District

Carter Lake:

Closed

Lost Lake Trail:

Closed

Primrose Trail:

Closed

Resurrection Pass Trail:

Closed

Resurrection Pass trail will be open to snowmachine use during the 2017/18 winter season.

Snug Harbor:

Closed

South Fork Snow River Corridor:

Closed

Summit Lake:

Closed

Subscribe to the Turnagain Area Avalanche Advisory:

The information in this advisory is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
This advisory provided by the Chugach National Forest, in partnership with Friends of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center.